Multi-cavity ice making assembly

ABSTRACT

An ice making assembly for a refrigerated appliance includes a mold body including an upper mold and a lower mold coupled to the upper mold, the mold body defining a cavity for the formation of an ice shape; a mold frame at least partially surrounding the mold body, the first upper mold piece and the second upper mold piece being coupled together via the mold frame; an ejector positioned adjacent to the mold body, the ejector being rotatable together with the mold body and the mold frame between a first position and a second position; and a motor for rotating the mold body, the mold frame, and the ejector between the first position and the second position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to ice making appliances,and more particularly to ice making appliances for making multiple largeice pieces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice makers are commonly provided as stand-alone appliances or may beincorporated within larger refrigerated appliances used to store fooditems in both commercial and residential applications. Typically, suchice makers are configured for the bulk production of ice where e.g.,multiple pieces of ice are used to cool the same beverage or used tocool other food items. The individual pieces of ice may have differentshapes and are typically relatively smaller in size (e.g., largestdimension of an individual piece might be 2 inches or less, or even 1inch or less). These bulk ice makers typically do not create multiple,larger pieces or pieces of ice and some do not create pieces that areuniformly of a particular shape such as spherical.

Some consumers may prefer a particular size or shape of ice for certainbeverages. For example, in the consumption of some alcohol-based drinks,consumers may prefer to use a single piece of ice for cooling thebeverage. Where a glass or metal cup is used, a spherical ice cubehaving a diameter nearly as large as the opening of the cup may also bepreferred. A diameter of e.g., two inches or more may be preferred.While other shapes may also be utilized, a single piece of ice in aspherical shape may melt more slowly that other shapes or multiplepieces of ice, which can mean less dilution of the alcohol-based drink.In addition, certain consumers may also prefer ice that is relativelyclear or transparent.

Manually-filled ice molds in particular shapes and sizes are available.These molds may be one or multiple pieces. The consumer manually fillsthe mold with water and may also have to remove entrapped air. The moldis then placed into a refrigerated space maintained at freezingtemperatures. The mold is later removed after enough time has elapsed tofreeze the water. The mold may have to be slightly heated and/or flexedto cause the ice to be released from the mold. The process must bemanually repeated if the consumer wants additional ice. Drawbacks to themanual process may include spills, difficulties in removing ice from themold, the rate of ice piece production is limited by the number ofmolds, and the user must remember to refill the molds each time.

Accordingly, an ice maker that can automatically or repeatedly makelarger pieces of ice in a particular shape would be desirable. An icemaker capable of producing multiple large pieces of ice at a time wouldbe particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an ice makingassembly for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The ice makingassembly may include a mold body including an upper portion and a lowerportion, the mold body defining a plurality of cavities for theformation of ice shapes, wherein the upper portion defines a pluralityof apertures into which water is supplied; a mold frame at leastpartially surrounding the mold body, wherein the mold body is coupledtogether via the mold frame; an ejector positioned adjacent to the moldbody, the ejector being rotatable together with the mold body and themold frame between a first position and a second position, wherein theejector deflects the lower portion toward the upper portion, and whereinthe upper portion is separated between the plurality of apertures todefine a single aperture when in the second position; and a motor forrotating the mold body, the mold frame, and the ejector between thefirst position and the second position.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeratorappliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinetcomprising a freezer chamber; and an ice making assembly provided withinthe freezing chamber. The ice making assembly may include a mold bodyincluding an upper portion and a lower portion, the mold body defining aplurality of cavities for the formation of ice shapes, wherein the upperportion defines a plurality of apertures into which water is supplied; amold frame at least partially surrounding the mold body, wherein themold body is coupled together via the mold frame; an ejector positionedadjacent to the mold body, the ejector being rotatable together with themold body and the mold frame between a first position and a secondposition, wherein the ejector deflects the lower portion toward theupper portion, and wherein the upper portion is separated between theplurality of apertures to define a single aperture when in the secondposition; and a motor for rotating the mold body, the mold frame, andthe ejector between the first position and the second position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a front view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance ofFIG. 1 with refrigerator and freezer doors in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an ice making appliance accordingto exemplary aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a front cross-section view of the exemplary ice makingappliance of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 provides a perspective cross-section view of the exemplary icemaking appliance of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of an ice mold of the exemplary icemaking appliance of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 provides a top view of the exemplary ice making appliance of FIG.3 .

FIG. 8 provides a side cross-section view of the exemplary ice makingappliance of FIG. 3 with the ice mold in a first position.

FIG. 9 provides a side cross-section view of the exemplary ice makingappliance of FIG. 3 with the ice mold in a second position.

FIG. 10 is a schematic depicting relative locations of an axis ofrotation of the mold body and an arcuate surface of a cam of theexemplary ice making assembly.

FIG. 11 depicts a portion of the exemplary ice making assembly in thefirst position.

FIG. 12 depicts a portion of the exemplary ice making assembly in thesecond position.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope of theinvention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive(i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The phrase “inone embodiment,” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment,although it may.

The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably todistinguish one component from another and are not intended to signifylocation or importance of the individual components. The terms“upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction withrespect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refersto the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream”refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 thatextends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V,between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral directionL, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transversedirection T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, andtransverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items forstorage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122positioned at or adjacent top 104 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of housing 102. As such,refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mountrefrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of thepresent disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigeratorappliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance or aside-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the descriptionset forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intendedto be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamberconfiguration.

Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. Similarly, freezerdoors 130 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectivelyaccessing freezer chamber 124. To prevent leakage of cool air,refrigerator doors 128, freezer doors 130, or housing 102 may define oneor more sealing mechanisms (e.g., rubber gaskets, not shown) at theinterface where the doors 128, 130 meet housing 102. Refrigerator doors128 and freezer doors 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG.1 and in the open configuration in FIG. 2 . It should be appreciatedthat doors having a different style, position, or configuration arepossible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 132 fordispensing liquid water or ice. Dispensing assembly 132 includes adispenser 134 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion ofrefrigerator appliance 100, e.g., on one of refrigerator doors 128.Dispenser 134 includes a discharging outlet 136 for accessing ice andliquid water. An actuating mechanism 138, shown as a paddle, is mountedbelow discharging outlet 136 for operating dispenser 134. In alternativeexemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used tooperate dispenser 134. For example, dispenser 134 can include a sensor(such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Acontrol panel 140 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. Forexample, control panel 140 includes a plurality of user inputs (notlabeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensingbutton, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed ornon-crushed ice.

Discharging outlet 136 and actuating mechanism 138 are an external partof dispenser 134 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 142. Dispenserrecess 142 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for auser to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice withoutthe need to bend-over and without the need to open refrigerator doors128. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is positioned ata level that approximates the chest level of a user. According to anexemplary embodiment, the dispensing assembly 132 may receive ice froman icemaker or icemaking assembly 300 disposed in a sub-compartment ofthe refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., IB compartment 180).

Refrigerator appliance 100 further includes a controller 144. Operationof the refrigerator appliance 100 is regulated by controller 144 that isoperatively coupled to or in operative communication with control panel140. In one exemplary embodiment, control panel 140 may represent ageneral purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In anotherexemplary embodiment, control panel 140 may include input components,such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical orelectro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons,touch pads, or touch screens. Control panel 140 may be in communicationwith controller 144 via one or more signal lines or shared communicationbusses. Control panel 140 provides selections for user manipulation ofthe operation of refrigerator appliance 100. In response to usermanipulation of the control panel 140, controller 144 operates variouscomponents of refrigerator appliance 100. For example, controller 144 isoperatively coupled or in communication with various components of asealed system, as discussed below. Controller 144 may also be incommunication with a variety of sensors, such as, for example, chambertemperature sensors or ambient temperature sensors. Controller 144 mayreceive signals from these temperature sensors that correspond to thetemperature of an atmosphere or air within their respective locations.

In some embodiments, controller 144 includes memory and one or moreprocessing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such asgeneral or special purpose microprocessors operable to executeprogramming instructions or micro-control code associated with operationof refrigerator appliance 100. The memory can represent random accessmemory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. Theprocessor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. Thememory can be a separate component from the processor or can be includedonboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 144 may beconstructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination ofdiscrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches,amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and thelike; to perform control functionality instead of relying uponsoftware).

FIG. 2 provides a front view of refrigerator appliance 100 withrefrigerator doors 128 and freezer doors 130 shown in an open position.According to the illustrated embodiment, various storage components aremounted within fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124 tofacilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by thoseskilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins146, drawers 148, and shelves 150 that are mounted within fresh foodchamber 122 or freezer chamber 124. Bins 146, drawers 148, and shelves150 are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages or solidfood items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As anexample, drawers 148 can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables,fruits, or cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh fooditems.

FIGS. 3 through 12 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an ice makingassembly 200 as may be used in refrigerator appliance 100 or anotherappliance configuration (including a dedicated ice making appliance) asdiscussed above. For example, ice making assembly 200 may be located inlower freezer chamber 124 as shown in FIG. 2 . An ice bin 202 may beincluded for the collection of ice.

Ice making assembly 200 may include a mold body 204 that defines achamber or cavity 210 in which liquid (e.g., water) may be supplied toform ice shapes 234 (such as a sphere, as shown in FIG. 8 ). It shouldbe understood that the examples given herein and shown in the figuresare not limiting, and that any suitably shaped ice mold may beimplemented to form a wide variety of ice shapes. Additionally oralternatively, although two distinct ice shape volumes are shown in thefigures and discussed herein, any suitable number of ice shape volumesmay be implemented, and the disclosure is not limited to the examplesgiven herein.

Ice making assembly 200 may include a mold frame (or mold shell) 260.Mold frame 260 may at least partially surround mold body 204. Forinstance, mold frame 260 may be coupled to mold body 204 at a pluralityof connection points. Accordingly, mold body 204 may be restrained bymold frame 260. As will be explained in more detail below, mold frame260 and mold body 204 may be collectively rotated (e.g., within freezerchamber 124) by a rotation mechanism or assembly. Mold frame 260 mayinclude an upper mold shell 207 and a lower mold shell 209.

In this exemplary embodiment, mold body 204 is constructed from an uppermold portion 206 and a lower mold portion 208 (FIG. 4 ) contained withinupper mold shell 207 and lower mold shell 209. The two mold portions 206and 208 may be pressed together between upper mold shell 207 and lowermold shell 209 connected by various fasteners 213. Lower mold shell 209may include a plurality of heat exchanging fins 211 in thermalcommunication with lower mold portion 208 to assist with heat transferduring the freezing process. For instance, heat exchanging fins 211 maybe a separate component from lower mold shell 209. Heat exchanging fins211 may be composed of a metal while lower mold shell 209 may becomposed of a plastic. Accordingly, heat exchanging fins 211 may becoupled to lower mold shell 209.

A thermocouple 215 or other temperature sensor may be connected withcontroller 134 through wires 217 so that the freezing process can bemonitored during ice production. Upper mold shell 207 may define anopening 205 through which the upper mold portion 206 extends. Upper moldportion 206 may define an opening 212 to chamber 210. In someembodiments, pleats may be formed about opening 212 and may be uniformlyspaced. Accordingly, opening 212 may be selectively enlarged, as will bedescribed in more detail below.

Moreover, chamber 210 formed within mold body 204 may include a firstchamber 2101 and second chamber 2102. In detail, as shown in FIGS. 3through 7 , first chamber 2101 may define a first shape and secondchamber 2102 may define a second shape. Each of the first shape and thesecond shape (e.g., first chamber 2101 and second chamber 2102) may beidentical in shape. However, it should be understood that any suitablecombination of shapes may be incorporated within chamber 210.Additionally or alternatively, it should be understood that any suitableamount of distinct chambers may be formed within chamber 210, toaccommodate any suitable number of ice shapes.

First chamber 2101 and second chamber 2102 may be connected by a centralchannel 262. In detail, central channel may be a via or opening thatfluidly connects first chamber 2101 and second chamber 2102, such thatliquid supplied to first chamber 2101, for example, is subsequentlysupplied to second chamber 2102. Accordingly, each of first chamber 2101and second chamber 2102 may be supplied with water via a single opening212. Further, as shown in the figures, when the chambers are spherical,central channel 262 may be provided at or along a vertically centrallocation within mold body 204. Additionally or alternatively, centralchannel 262 may be provided at or near a transversally central locationwithin mold body 204.

Mold portions 206 and 208 may be constructed from a flexible orresilient material. In one exemplary aspect, one or both mold portions206 and 208 are constructed from a silicone rubber. As mentioned above,the pleats may allow the size or diameter of opening 212 to increase asan ice shape 234 is ejected from mold body 204 as will be furtherexplained. In another exemplary aspect, one or both mold portions 206and 208 are constructed from a flexible and hydrophobic material such ase.g., silicone rubber. The hydrophobic property assists in precludingwater from escaping (e.g., through the pleats or between the moldportions 206 and 208) during the filling and freezing processes. Aunitary construction may also be used instead of mold portions 206 and208 in other embodiments of the invention. For instance, upper moldportion 206 and lower mold portion 208 may be formed as a single piece,having one or more openings 212 defined therein.

According to at least one embodiment, upper mold portion 206 may includea first upper mold piece 2061 and a second upper mold piece 2062. Asshown in FIG. 6 , first upper mold piece 2061 may form a first upperquadrant of mold body 204. First upper mold piece 2061 may thus bereferred to as a front upper mold piece. Accordingly, second upper moldpiece 2062 may form a second upper quadrant of mold body 204. Secondupper mold piece 2062 may thus be referred to as a rear upper moldpiece. As described above, first and second upper mold pieces 2061 and2062 may be constructed from a flexible and hydrophobic material, suchas silicone rubber, for example. Thus, the hydrophobic property mayassist in precluding water from escaping from mold body 204 betweenfirst and second upper mold piece 2061 and 2062.

For example, upper mold portion 206 may define a joint 264 extending,e.g., along the lateral direction L from a first lateral end of moldbody 204 to a second lateral end of mold body 204. Joint 264 may be aconnection point between first upper mold piece 2061 and second uppermold piece 2062. In detail, when mold body 204 is in a neutral orresting position, first upper mold piece 2061 and second upper moldpiece 2062 may contact each other along joint 264. The hydrophobicproperty of upper mold portion 206 may assist in precluding waterescaping via joint 264 (e.g., when mold body 204 is in the neutralposition). Joint 264 may further assist in defining each of firstchamber 2101 and second chamber 2102. For example, as shown most clearlyin FIGS. 5 and 6 , each of first chamber 2101 and second chamber 2102may be predominantly spherical in shape. Joint 264 may be defined by oneor more planar portions 266 on each of first upper mold piece 2061 andsecond upper mold piece 2062. For instance, a first planar portion 266me be formed at the first lateral side of upper mold portion 206, asecond planar portion 266 may be formed at the second lateral side ofupper mold portion 206, and a third planar portion 266 may be formed ata center of upper mold portion 206 (e.g., along the lateral directionL).

First upper mold piece 2061 may be selectively coupled to second uppermold piece 2062. In detail, first and second upper mold pieces 2061 and2062 may be coupled to each other at each of the first and secondlateral ends. One or more fasteners 213 may penetrate first and secondplanar portions 266 (e.g., through each of first and second upper moldpieces 2061 and 2062). Accordingly, upper mold portion 206 may berestrained at both lateral ends. Additionally or alternatively, uppermold portion 206 may be a single piece. For instance, each connectionpoint defined at each lateral end of upper mold portion 206 may beformed as a unitary body. Upper mold portion 206 may thus be openedalong joint 264. For instance, as will be explained in more detailbelow, during a harvesting operation, joint 264 may be split to createor define a single aperture 280 at the top of upper mold portion 206(i.e., two or more openings 212 may be merged or joined to defineaperture 280). Advantageously, the formed ice shapes 234 may be easilyreleased from mold body 204.

Mold frame 260 (e.g., upper mold shell 207) may include a first supportbrace 270 provided at a first lateral end of upper mold shell 207 and asecond support brace 272 provided at a second lateral end of upper moldshell 207. First and second support braces 270 and 272 may mirror eachother about the transverse direction T. Accordingly, hereinafter, firstsupport brace 270 will be described in detail with the understandingthat the description applies to second support brace 272 as well.

As shown particularly in FIG. 3 ., first support brace 270 may define afirst groove 271 (i.e., second support brace 272 defines a second groove273). First groove 271 may extend along the vertical direction V and thelateral direction L. For instance, first support brace 270 may include aplurality of walls that define first groove 271. First groove 270 mayselectively receive a portion of upper mold portion 206 therein.According to at least one embodiment, planar portion 266 at the firstlateral end of mold body 204 is received within first groove 271.Additionally or alternatively, planar portion 266 may be coupled tofirst support brace 270 via fastener 213. For instance, a first planarportion 266 may be defined as a first tab 282. First tab 282 may beselectively received within first groove 271. Similarly, a second planarportion 266 may be defined as a second tab 284. Second tab 284 may beselectively received within second groove 273. Accordingly, a firstfastener 213 may penetrate first support brace 270 and first tab 282,and a second fastener 213 may penetrate second support brace 272 andsecond tab 284.

FIGS. 8 and 9 provide side section views of ice making assembly 200 in afirst position and a second position, respectively. While only a singlechamber 210 is shown, it should be understood that the descriptionsapply to each of first and second chambers 2101 and 2102, for example.Accordingly, generic reference numerals will be used where appropriatefor the sake of brevity and clarity. Mold body 204 (and mold frame 260)may be rotatable between a first position (FIG. 8 ) and a secondposition (FIG. 9 ). In the first position, mold body 204 may be filledwith water (e.g., from a water dispenser 232). For example, a valve (notshown) may be activated by controller 134 as part of an ice makingprocess to provide the appropriate amount of water to flow into moldbody 204 when mold body 204 is in the upper (or first) position. Asshown in FIG. 8 , a first limit switch 226 may be contacted by lowermold shell 209 when mold body 204 is in the first position. First limitswitch 226 may be connected with controller 134 (e.g., communicatively)for purposes of determining when mold body 204 is in the first position.

In the second position, ice shape 234 (or ice shapes) may be fullyejected from mold body 204. Ice shape 234 may be, e.g., ejected into icebin 202 (e.g., via aperture 280). As shown in FIG. 9 , a second limitswitch 228 may be contacted by lower mold shell 209 when mold body 204is in the second position. Second limit switch 228 may be connected withcontroller 134 (e.g., communicatively) for purposes of determining whenmold body 204 is in the second position. Other configurations of limitswitches may also be used to determine the position of mold body 204.

A motor 216 may be used to rotate mold body 204 (and mold frame 260) andan ejector 238 between the first and second positions. Motor 216 may beoperated by controller 134. For example, motor 216 may drive gears 244so as to rotate mold body 204 about axis of rotation A-A between thefirst and second positions as desired. The direction of rotation of,e.g., a shaft (not shown) from motor 216 may be used to control thedirection of rotation of gears 244 and therefore mold 204 as determinedby controller 134.

Ejector 238 may be positioned adjacent to mold body 204 and may berotatable with mold body 204 between the first position and the secondposition. As will be explained, ejector 238 may be configured to pushice shape 234 out of chamber 210 (e.g., first chamber 2101 and secondchamber 2102) through aperture 280 created by splitting open first uppermold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062 during rotation betweenthe first position and the second position. More particularly, ejector238 configured to move between a retracted position (FIG. 8 ) and anextended position (FIG. 9 ). Ejector 238 may move from the retractedposition to the extended position as mold body 204 is moved from thefirst position to the second position, respectively. While doing so,ejector may translate within a guide or channel 246 formed at least inpart by lower mold shell 209.

Ejector 238 may include a first plunger 2381 and a second plunger 2382.For instance, as shown in FIG. 4 , first plunger 2381 may be positionedbeneath first chamber 2101 while second plunger 2382 is positionedbeneath second chamber 2102 (e.g., along the vertical direction V whenmold body 204 is in the first position). First and second plungers 2381and 2382 may be connected by an axle bar 274. Axle bar 274 may connect adistal end 240 of first plunger 2381 with a distal end 240 of secondplunger 2382. For instance, each of first plunger 2381 and secondplunger 2382 may include a cam follower 242 (e.g., at the distal end 240of each plunger, respectively). Axle bar 274 may connect the camfollowers 242 to each other such that each of first and second plunger2381 and 2382 is rotated together, ensuring a smooth motion of theassembly 200.

For this exemplary embodiment, movement of ejector 238 (e.g., firstplunger 2381 and second plunger 2382) is determined by a cam 218. Moreparticularly, the distal end 240 of first plunger 2381 includes the camfollower or wheel 242 that rides in a slot 222 along an arcuate path 220defined by cam 218. The slotted, arcuate path 220 may determine theposition of ejector 238 as mold 204 and ejector 238 rotate together fromthe first position to the second position. Moreover, cam 218 may includea first slot 2221 and a second slot 2222. First slot 2221 may interactwith first plunger 2381 while second slot 2222 interacts with secondplunger 2382. Accordingly, each ejector 238 may be associated with adedicated slot 222, ensuring smooth and unimpeded operation when movingbetween the first position and the second position.

An exemplary method of operating ice making assembly 200 will now be setforth using the described exemplary embodiment. One of skill in the art,using the teachings disclosed herein, will understand that otherexemplary methods of operation may be use as well.

After chamber 210 has been filled with an appropriate amount of water aspreviously described, the water is allowed to freeze. During the fillingand freezing process, mold body 204 is maintained in the first positionas shown in FIG. 8 during which ejector 238 also remains in theretracted position. In one exemplary aspect of the disclosure, the watermay be filtered to remove particulates and may be cooled along acontrolled temperature and time profile to provide clearer ice.Temperature (as measured by sensor 215) may be monitored so that e.g.,controller 134 may determine when the water has been converted into iceshape 234.

After a determination has been made that the water has frozen to formice shape 234, controller 134 may activate motor 216 to begin rotationof mold body 204. As mold body 204 rotates about axis of rotation A-A,head 250 of ejector 238 is forced to press against external surface 214of lower mold half 208. As mold body 204 rotates, ejector 238 may movethrough guide 246 along a direction perpendicular to axis of rotationA-A. Rotation forces ejector 238 to so move because cam follower 242 isriding on arcuate path 220. Referring to FIG. 10 , a center C of aradius R defining arcuate path 220 is offset by a distance D from theaxis of rotation A-A. As such, rotation shortens the distance betweenguide 246 and the arcuate path 220 of cam 218 - forcing ejector 238 tomove therethrough.

While rotation of mold body 204 continues, ejector 238 moves out of arecess 252 formed in lower mold shell 209 and begins to deform flexiblemold portions 206 and 208 as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 . Continuedrotation increases the movement of ejector 238 and the deformation ofmold portions 206 and 208. Lower mold portion 208 may invert as it ispressed towards openings 205 and 212. Moreover, aperture 280 betweenfirst upper mold piece 2061 and second upper mold piece 2062 may beginto form as joint 264 is split apart by the movement of ejector 238 (orfirst and second ejectors 2381 and 2382). Ice shape 234 may be rotatedbut, more importantly, is forced to move in the same direction asejector 238 by the pressing of head 250. This pressing action may forceice shape 234 through the formed aperture 280. The diameter or size ofaperture 280 may increase due to the flexibility of upper mold portion206 and joint 264 (e.g., including planar portions 266) in upper moldportion 206. In some embodiments, additional pleats may be added toupper mold portion 206 to provide further deflection ability. As moldbody 204 reaches the second position shown in FIG. 9 , ejector 238reaches the extended position so as to force ice shape 234 to be fullyejected from mold body 204 via aperture 280 as shown by arrow E.

Upon reaching the second position, second limit switch 228 may beactivated as shown in FIG. 12 , which provides a signal to controller134 to stop motor 216. Either immediately or after a delay, controller134 may cause motor 216 to reverse direction so that mold body 204 isreturned to the first position and ejector 238 is fully retracted. Uponreaching the first position, first limit switch 226 may be activated asshown in FIG. 11 , which provides a signal to controller 134 to stopmotor 216. Either immediately, or after a delay, controller 134 mayrepeat the process of refilling chamber 210 with water 236 usingdispenser 232 so as to create another ice shape 234.

For the exemplary embodiment described above, mold body 204 and ejector238 rotate 90 degrees between the first position and the secondposition. In other embodiments, a different degree of rotation may beused. Additionally or alternatively, gravity and/or the resiliency oflower mold portion 208 may be used to return ejector 238 to theretracted position. A spring that is compressed as ejector 238 isextended may also be used to urge ejector 238 back to its retractedposition.

According to the disclosure, an ice making assembly for a refrigeratorincludes a multi-cavity or chamber ice mold capable of forming aplurality of ice shapes simultaneously. The mold may be formed from aflexible material, such as a silicon. A top portion of the mold may berestrained at either lateral end, forming a joint therebetween. In someembodiments, the top portion of the mold is formed from two separatepieces. The top portion may be at least partially restrained by a moldframe. The mold frame and mold together may be rotated, e.g., by amotor, after ice has formed within the multiple cavities. Duringrotation, one or more ejectors may press a bottom portion of the mold.Consequently, the formed ice shapes may press against the top portion ofthe mold, separating the joint between the restrained ends. Since anaperture is formed therebetween, a relatively large opening may beformed in the top portion of the mold. The ice shaped may then be easilyejected from the mold into an ice storage bin.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

1. An ice making assembly for a refrigerated appliance, the ice makingassembly defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and atransverse direction, the ice making assembly comprising: a flexiblemold body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the mold bodydefining a plurality of cavities for the formation of ice shapes,wherein the upper portion defines: a plurality of apertures into whichwater is supplied; and a joint extending along the lateral directionbetween the plurality of apertures, wherein the joint is closed when theupper portion is in a neutral position; a mold frame at least partiallysurrounding the mold body, wherein the mold body is coupled together viathe mold frame; an ejector positioned adjacent to the mold body, theejector being rotatable together with the mold body and the mold framebetween a first position and a second position, wherein the ejectordeflects the lower portion toward the upper portion, and wherein theupper portion is separated along the joint between the plurality ofapertures to define a single aperture when in the second position; and amotor for rotating the mold body, the mold frame, and the ejectorbetween the first position and the second position.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Theice making assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises afirst upper mold piece and a second upper mold piece coupled to thefirst upper mold piece.
 4. The ice making assembly of claim 3, whereinthe first upper mold piece and the second upper mold piece are coupledto each other at a first end of the mold body and a second end of themold body, respectively.
 5. The ice making assembly of claim 1, whereinthe mold frame comprises: a first support brace provided at a first endof the mold frame, the first support brace defining a first groove; anda second support brace provided at a second end of the mold frame, thesecond support brace defining a second groove.
 6. The ice makingassembly of claim 5, wherein the upper portion comprises: a first tabselectively received within the first groove; and a second tabselectively received within the second groove.
 7. The ice makingassembly of claim 6, further comprising: a first fastener penetratingthrough the first support brace and the first tab; and a second fastenerpenetrating through the second support brace and the second tab.
 8. Theice making assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cavities of themold body defines a first ice shape volume and a second ice shapevolume, the first and second ice shape volumes connected by a centralchannel.
 9. The ice making assembly of claim 8, wherein liquid water issupplied to the first ice shape volume of the mold body and flows intothe second ice shape volume of the mold body via the central channel.10. The ice making assembly of claim 8, wherein the ejector comprises: afirst plunger contacting an exterior surface of the lower portionadjacent to the first ice shape volume; a second plunger contacting theexterior surface of the lower portion adjacent to the second ice shapevolume; and an axle bar connecting the first plunger to the secondplunger.
 11. The ice making assembly of claim 10, further comprising: acam in mechanical communication with the ejector, the cam defining anarcuate path along which a first end of the ejector moves when rotatingbetween the first position and the second position.
 12. The ice makingassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first limit switch forstopping rotation of the mold frame and the ejector when the mold frameis moved into the first position; and a second limit switch for stoppingrotation of the mold frame and the ejector when the mold frame is movedinto the second position.
 13. The ice making assembly of claim 1,further comprising: a plurality of heat exchanging fins in thermalcommunication with the lower portion, the plurality of heat exchangingfins being attached to the mold frame.
 14. A refrigerator appliancedefining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transversedirection, the refrigerator appliance comprising: a cabinet comprising afreezer chamber; and an ice making assembly provided within the freezingchamber, the ice making assembly comprising: a flexible mold bodycomprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the mold body defininga plurality of cavities for the formation of ice shapes, wherein theupper portion defines: a plurality of apertures into which water issupplied; and a joint extending along the lateral direction between theplurality of apertures, wherein the joint is closed when the upperportion is in a neutral position; a mold frame at least partiallysurrounding the mold body, wherein the mold body is coupled together viathe mold frame; an ejector positioned adjacent to the mold body, theejector being rotatable together with the mold body and the mold framebetween a first position and a second position, wherein the ejectordeflects the lower portion toward the upper portion, wherein the upperportion is separated between the plurality of apertures to define asingle aperture when in the second position, and wherein the ejectorcomprises: a pair of plungers provided in constant contact with thelower portion of the mold body at each of the first position and thesecond position; and a motor for rotating the mold body, the mold frame,and the ejector between the first position and the second position. 15.(canceled)
 16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 14, wherein the upperportion comprises a first upper mold piece and a second upper mold piececoupled to the first upper mold piece.
 17. The refrigerator appliance ofclaim 16, wherein the first upper mold piece and the second upper moldpiece are coupled to each other at a first end of the mold body and asecond end of the mold body, respectively.
 18. The refrigeratorappliance of claim 14, wherein the mold frame comprises: a first supportbrace provided at a first end of the mold frame, the first support bracedefining a first groove; and a second support brace provided at a secondend of the mold frame, the second support brace defining a secondgroove.
 19. The refrigerator appliance of claim 18, wherein the upperportion comprises: a first tab selectively received within the firstgroove; and a second tab selectively received within the second groove.20. The refrigerator appliance of claim 14, wherein the plurality ofcavities of the mold body defines a first ice shape volume and a secondice shape volume, the first and second ice shape volumes connected by acentral channel.